One of the most common questions we hear when someone is thinking about moving is:
“How long will it actually take to sell our house?”
It’s a completely fair question. Moving home is a big decision, and knowing roughly how long the process might take can make planning everything else much easier.
The honest answer is that every property is different. However, based on what we see day to day here in Exeter, there is a fairly typical timeline most sales tend to follow.
Here’s a realistic look at what the journey often looks like.
🏡 Step 1: Preparing Your Home for the Market
Typical timeframe: 1–2 weeks
Before a property even appears online, there’s usually a little preparation involved.
This might include:
- Decluttering and tidying
- Minor repairs or decorating
- Professional photography
- Floorplans and marketing materials
A bit of preparation at this stage can make a big difference to the level of interest once the property goes live.
📸 Step 2: Launching Your Property
Typical timeframe: Week 1
Once everything is ready, the property is launched to the market.
At this stage it will usually appear on major portals like Rightmove and Zoopla, as well as being promoted through an agent’s buyer database and social media channels.
The first two weeks are often the busiest period for viewings, as your home appears in front of buyers who have been actively searching.
👀 Step 3: Viewings and Offers
Typical timeframe: 2–6 weeks
If a property is priced correctly and presented well, offers often arrive within the first few weeks.
Of course, this depends on several factors, including:
- The asking price
- Market conditions
- Location within Exeter
- Presentation and marketing
Some homes attract multiple offers very quickly, while others may take a little longer to find the right buyer.
🤝 Step 4: Sale Agreed
Typical timeframe: Around 1–2 months from launch
Once an offer is accepted, the property is considered sale agreed.
But the journey doesn’t end here.
This is where the legal process begins, and both sides move into the conveyancing stage.
⚖️ Step 5: Conveyancing and Surveys
Typical timeframe: 10–16 weeks
During this period:
- Solicitors handle the legal work
- Surveys are carried out
- Mortgage offers are confirmed
- Searches are completed
This part of the process can vary depending on the complexity of the chain and the property itself.
🔑 Step 6: Exchange and Completion
Once everything is ready, contracts are exchanged and a completion date is agreed.
Completion is the day keys are handed over and the buyer officially becomes the new owner.
For many moves, the time between launching the property and completing the sale is typically around 4–6 months.
What Can Speed Things Up?
There are a few things that can help keep the process moving smoothly:
✔️ Accurate pricing from the start
✔️ Strong marketing and photography
✔️ Buyers who are financially prepared
✔️ Instructing solicitors early
Small steps like these can make a surprising difference.
Thinking About Moving?
If you’re considering selling and wondering what the process might look like for your home, we’re always happy to talk it through.
Every property — and every move — is slightly different, and having the right advice early on can make the whole experience much smoother.
